RESIDENTS are being warned they could face transport chaos when the Olympic torch arrives in Stafford as more than 150 roads will shut.
The flame will make a once-in-lifetime journey through Gnosall, Haughton and Stafford on May 30 on its way to London.
But roads on and around the route will shut between 4pm and 6.30pm, right in the middle of rush hour.
Stafford Borough Council bosses are urging people to plan ahead to avoid a transport nightmare and help make the day one of celebration not frustration.
Residents, businesses, schools, parish councils and organisations are being con- tacted to warn of the road closures and urge people to be prepared for the day.
Letters are also being sent to homes whose bin collections are due that day.
Adam Hill, the council’s leisure and cul- ture boss, said: “This is a once in a lifetime experience with so many of our residents, children and organisations involved.
“But such an exceptional event calls for exceptional circumstances and I hope everyone will realise there may be disrup- tion to their normal day-to-day routine and make alternative arrangements.
“Thousands of people are expected to line the route and to make sure the torch
passes through safely we will be closing several roads on and off the route.
“If you do not want to see the torch then don’t travel to and from Stafford or the two villages on the route, between those times. We want this day to be about cele- bration, not frustration.”
The council has organised a circus parade as a warm-up act to the torch relay. It will include acrobats, jugglers and stilt walkers, who will be joining school children,dance and community groups.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase our area and I’d like to think the commu- nity will be out supporting our torchbear- ers, cheering them on and creating a day we will talk about for years to come.”
